Tips to protect you and your property in extremely cold weather

Another bout of extremely cold temperatures is hitting the Rock River Valley, bringing dangerous conditions for people and property.

Angie's List has compiled a list of tips to keep yourself and your home safe from the cold.

Protect your pipes

- Opening cabinet doors can help circulate air under the sink in kitchens and bathrooms, helping to keep pipes from freezing.

- Insulate pipes that run through unheated crawl spaces, basements and others areas.

- Turn faucets on to a trickle. Moving water won't freeze as well.

- If you plan to leave the house for an extended period, turn the main water valve off.

- Have your heating system inspected. If it fails, there is a higher likelihood of pipes freezing.

Stranded in the car

- Save on gas, but keep warm. Run the car for about 10 minutes per hour and crack the window to let fresh air in.

- Keep your exhaust pipe clear of snow. A blocked exhaust system can cause carbon monoxide to fill the vehicle.

- Tie something to your antenna so that anyone passing will know you need help

Towing tips

- Do a little research and find a reputable towing company in the area before you need one. Keep the number handy or in your cellphone.

- If a tow truck you haven't called shows up to help, make sure you see the company's license so that you know the company is insured and certified.

- You shouldn't have to pay more for a cold-weather tow. If your vehicle is seriously stuck, you may pay more, however. Get an estimate before the work begins, and see if the driver accepts credit cards. Many accept cash only.

- Take a photo of your car before the work begins. That's proof in case the tow damages the vehicle.

- Get a copy of the invoice and receipt immediately. Make sure the price is what you were quoted, and make sure your credit card statement matches what you were charged on the receipt.

- Warm up the car for a few minutes so that oil can circulate and engine parts are not damaged.

- Keep lock de-icer on hand in case your locks freeze. Warm up a key with a lighter or matches in a pinch.

- Keep an emergency kit on hand in the car. Stock a snow shovel, an ice scraper, jumper cables, a flashlight, blanket, warm clothes, water, snacks and a can of tire inflator.

Power outage

- Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep cold air in. Food will stay cold in an unopened refrigerator for 24 hours; 48 hours in a freezer. If the power is out longer, consider getting a cooler and ice.

- Unplug things that could be damaged by a surge when power comes back on — televisions, microwaves, etc.

- Use flashlights as much as possible and avoid candles, which can be fire hazards. Keep extra batteries on hand.

- Run generators outside. Carbon monoxide can build up in a closed garage and could get inside the home.

Another bout of extremely cold temperatures is hitting the Rock River Valley, bringing dangerous conditions for people and property.Angie's List has compiled a list of tips to keep yourself and your home safe from the cold.Protect your pipes- Opening cabinet doors can help circulate air under the sink in kitchens and bathrooms, helping to keep pipes from freezing.- Insulate pipes that run through unheated crawl spaces, basements and others areas.- Turn faucets on to a trickle. Moving water won't freeze as well.- If you plan to leave the house for an extended period, turn the main water valve off.- Have your heating system inspected. If it fails, there is a higher likelihood of pipes freezing.Stranded in the car- Save on gas, but keep warm. Run the car for about 10 minutes per hour and crack the window to let fresh air in.- Keep your exhaust pipe clear of snow. A blocked exhaust system can cause carbon monoxide to fill the vehicle.- Tie something to your antenna so that anyone passing will know you need helpTowing tips- Do a little research and find a reputable towing company in the area before you need one. Keep the number handy or in your cellphone.- If a tow truck you haven't called shows up to help, make sure you see the company's license so that you know the company is insured and certified.- You shouldn't have to pay more for a cold-weather tow. If your vehicle is seriously stuck, you may pay more, however. Get an estimate before the work begins, and see if the driver accepts credit cards. Many accept cash only.- Take a photo of your car before the work begins. That's proof in case the tow damages the vehicle.- Get a copy of the invoice and receipt immediately. Make sure the price is what you were quoted, and make sure your credit card statement matches what you were charged on the receipt.Car prep- Make sure tires are inflated properly. Cold weather decreases tire pressure. Also, make sure your tire tread is greater than 1/16 of an inch.- Warm up the car for a few minutes so that oil can circulate and engine parts are not damaged.- Keep lock de-icer on hand in case your locks freeze. Warm up a key with a lighter or matches in a pinch.- Keep an emergency kit on hand in the car. Stock a snow shovel, an ice scraper, jumper cables, a flashlight, blanket, warm clothes, water, snacks and a can of tire inflator.Power outage- Keep your refrigerator and freezer doors closed as much as possible to keep cold air in. Food will stay cold in an unopened refrigerator for 24 hours; 48 hours in a freezer. If the power is out longer, consider getting a cooler and ice.- Unplug things that could be damaged by a surge when power comes back on — televisions, microwaves, etc.- Use flashlights as much as possible and avoid candles, which can be fire hazards. Keep extra batteries on hand.- Run generators outside. Carbon monoxide can build up in a closed garage and could get inside the home.

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